ED HUSIC MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR HUMAN SERVICES
SHADOW MINISTER FOR THE DIGITAL ECONOMY
MEMBER FOR CHIFLEY
MADELEINE KING MP
LABORS WA CAMPAIGN SPOKESPERSON
SHADOW MINISTER FOR CONSUMER AFFAIRS
SHADOW MINISTER ASSISTING FOR RESOURCES
SHADOW MINISTER ASSISTING FOR SMALL BUSINESS
MEMBER FOR BRAND
MATT KEOGH MP
MEMBER FOR BURT
PATRICK GORMAN MP
MEMBER FOR PERTH
LABOR SUPPORTS CREATION OF NATIONS FIRST BLOCKCHAIN ACADEMY IN PERTH
A Shorten Labor Government will commit $3 million to help establish Australias first Blockchain Academy in Perth.
Blockchain has attracted growing interest across a range of industries as a secure and more trusted technology platform.
Major Australian businesses and organisations are actively exploring the use of Blockchain in their operations, including the Australian Stock Exchange, Australia Post and the Commonwealth Bank.
Demand for workers with blockchain development skills is in high demand - according to one recent report, for every one Blockchain developer there are 14 job opportunities.
This is why Labor will invest in the creation of the Blockchain Academy.
Labor wants to drive skills and training through the Blockchain Academy, teaming up with education and training providers from the vocational and tertiary sectors.
The Blockchain Academys location in Perth will provide a focal point for the Blockchain based startups and firms that are already flourishing in the city.
The Academy will explore industry specific applications of Blockchain, connecting corporations with start-ups, academia and students to help spot opportunities for using the technology in specific business use cases.
It will also potentially host computer science researchers, economists and corporates and will also act as a venue for education programs and a showcase for projects.
The Liberal Government has failed to tackle major tech skills shortages that are holding back Australian businesses.
Labor wants to address this, investing in Australians to develop job skills that are in high demand now and into the future.
It is anticipated that once the Academy model has been proven successful in Perth, consideration will be given to expanding the footprint to other key cities.
This commitment is an example of how a Shorten Labor Government will support the evolution of the nations digital economy - and particularly within Perth.
Perth is ideally located to build strong links the global economys most dynamic region, working with regional neighbours wanting to corroborate on blockchain projects.
Labor can afford to make investments like this, and pay for better schools and hospitals, cheaper child care and free dental for pensioners because we are closing down the Liberals unfair tax loopholes for the top end of town.